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The Eight Dukes of the Western Jin Dynasty: Evaluation and commentary
The eight dukes on the list of founding heroes of the Western Jin Dynasty are outstanding representatives of history, and these highest-ranking officials include Sima Fu the Prince of Anping as Dazai, Zheng Chong as Taifu, Wang Xiang as Taibao, Sima Wang the Prince of Yiyang as Taiwei, He Zeng (zēng) as Situ, Xun Yan (yǐ) as Sikong, Shi Yuan as Grand Sima, and Chen Qian (Qiān) as a general.
The modern historian Lu Simian has criticized these founding heroes, arguing that most of them are uncommitted hypocrites and weak compromisers. However, we need to get a deeper understanding of each of our founding fathers to more fully evaluate their role and impact.
First, Zheng Chong was from a humble background and had held important positions in the court of the Weiwen Emperor Cao Pi, but chose to maintain political neutrality during the Western Jin Dynasty. Despite his high official position, he rarely interfered in political affairs and may be considered a conciliator.
Secondly, Wang Xiang was from the Langya Wang clan, he was a filial son with outstanding political ability. Although he had publicly expressed his loyalty to the former lord Cao Xin, he also fully supported the Sima clan within the Cao Wei court. This inconsistent behavior may have led him to be considered a country man.
Sima Wang's background made him an important figure in Cao Wei, but he chose to support the Sima clan and assist them in usurping power. He Zeng came from the He family of Chen Commandery, and as the second generation of the family official, he held important positions during the Cao Wei dynasty, but he defected to them after the Sima clan took power, especially during the Western Jin Dynasty, and his political behavior was considered a dishonest of the countryside.
Xun Yan was the son of Xun Yu, a famous minister of Cao Wei, and although he had grudges against Cao Wei, he helped Sima usurp the throne during the Western Jin Dynasty. His actions may lead one to think that he is a gangster.
Finally, Chen Qian came from the Chen Jiao family, who was also the second generation of officials, and although his family was favored by the previous lord, he supported the Sima clan and assisted them in ascending to the throne. His actions may also have led him to be seen as a gangster.
Despite Lu Simian's criticism of the six founding heroes, their respective actions and decisions may have been justified in the political environment of the time. However, the choice of these people has had a profound impact on the country and history. Whether or not they are seen as congrudators or villagers, these assessments can help us better understand the politics and history of the Western Jin Dynasty.